A giant iceberg in the Antarctic peninsula may reveal mysteries of sea life.

Researchers led by a team from the Wegener Institute in Germany, are exploring the depths beneath an area known as the Larsen C Ice Shelf. Thick layers of ice in the neighboring Weddell sea have proven to be difficult obstacles for previous expedition parties.

The latest team will be traveling in a state-of-the-art ice breaking vessel named the Polarstern,, with ship parts that are capable of withstanding the harshest weather conditions.

Experts will be employing sonar techniques and camera systems to survey the sea floor while retrieving organic samples.